'Hanging on to Mohammed Siraj would make it difficult to...': RCB's massive revelation on releasing Hyderabad pacer before IPL 2025 mega auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) director of cricket Mo Bobat opened up on the franchise's decision not to take Mohammed Siraj via retention before the mega auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Siraj who was one of the backbone of the Bengaluru-based franchise since 2017, was released before the mega auction and they picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the pace attack in the 18th edition of the cash-rich league.

Picking Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the IPL 2025 seemed like a masterstroke for the franchise as they won their maiden title. Mo Bobat reveals that among all retention calls, Mohammed Siraj was the one RCB “spent the longest deliberating over.”

"We were keen to try and get Bhuvneshwar Kumar and we felt like hanging on to Mohammed Siraj would make it difficult to get Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar)", Mo Bobat told Cricbuzz.

RCB spent 10.75 to in the IPL 2025 mega auction to bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and the Meerut speedster picked 17 wickets in 14 matches of the tournament at an average of 28.41.

On the other hand, after being released by RCB, Siraj joined Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) as the franchise brought him for INR 12.25 crore in the mega auction. The speedster was in purple patch during IPL 2025, picking 16 wickets in 15 outings at a best bowling figure of 4/17.

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Mo Bobat on Virat Kohli's take for Rajat Patidar's captaincy

RCB also released their skipper, Faf du Plessis, before the mega auction and the stylish batter was acquired by Delhi Capitals (DC) in the mega auction, and later the franchise appointed Rajat Patidar as captain. Mo Bobat revealed that former skipper and star batter Virat Kohli had agreed with the decision and was ready to offer help.

"We spoke with Virat that Rajat was going to be new to captaincy. And Virat said, Look, 100%, I'm there to help. It's in all of our interests if Rajat succeeds. Let's give this a go.' It was brilliant to have Virat's blessing and his approval because he's an important person and player in our environment," Mo Bobat added.

Rajat Patidar-led RCB ended their 18-year title drought to win their maiden IPL title in the 18th edition of the tournament, defeating Punjab Kings in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3.